text:
Dr. Selman Waksman (1888-1973)
Born in Prikula, Russia (near Kiev) in 1888, Selman Waksman entered Rutgers University as an undergraduate in 1911 and graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1915. He completed his Master's Degree also at Rutgers while working as a research assistant in soil bacteriology at the New Jersey Experimental Agriculture Station. After working in California on his Ph. D in Microbiology he was invited back to Rutgers, where he worked his way up from Associate Professor to head of the Microbiology Department when it was organized in 1940. In 1949, after the discovery of neomycin , an Institute of Microbiology was established with Dr. Waksman as its first Director. Today this institute bears his name. In 1952, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology/Medicine for his work on antibiotics (including streptomycin) and their affect on tuberculosis. To view the Presentation Speech at the award ceremonies by Professor A. Wallgren, member of the Staff of Professors of the Royal Caroline Institute, click the link. While there you can view more biographical information on Dr. Selman Waksman. Although he officially retired from Rutgers in 1958, he still maintained an office and conducted research from time to time. He died in 1973.
Antibiotics and Dr. Waksman
The term itself, antibiotic, is a medical oxymoron of sorts. Literally, antibiotic means "anti-life" but yet we come to recognize the role they play in the treatment of common diseases. The work in antibiotics owes some credit to Dr. Louis Pasteur who discovered that some organisms destroyed others, but Waksman's work with soil bacteria led to a more aggressive look at Pasteur's methodology and breakthroughs in disease treatment. Antibiotics work to disrupt the normal functions of disease-causing cells, by disrupting normal cellular function or by destroying the disease causing cell's membrane. For more information on how antibiotics work, please click here.
Did you ever smell dirt? Go ahead, turn over the garden with a hand tool or a mechanical tiller, then dig your hands into the dirt and hold it to your nose. Smell that? The smell is coming from the bacteria in the soil. Recently, scientists working on asthma research have found reason to believe that children who come from squeaky clean environments where playing in the dirt is prohibited are more likely to contract asthma than kids who do play in the dirt.
Soil bacteria that developed a particular mold led to a breakthrough against the tubercle bacilli when the mold destroyed the tubercle bacilli--and streptomycin was born. It was used one year later at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN to treat a woman with tuberculosis and within a decade, TB, a very virulent and contagious disease, had been almost eradicated in the United States.
Waksman's work in soil bacteria was mostly in the category of actinomycetes. For a description click the previous link. For a more detailed look at the many types of actinomycetes, click here.
Waksman's Profitable Work
In the 1930's and 1940's, Dr. Waksman's work brought him into contact with representatives from major drug companies, some of whom had offices nearby to Rutgers University. A profitable relationship between pharmaceutical/chemical manufacturer Merck and Co. and the Institute emerged. Dr. Waksman could have used his discoveries to make himself rich, but chose to divert the larger share of the profits of his work to the Institute. His influence at Merck led Merck to give up its exclusive license on the manufacture of streptomycin so that it could be licensed to other companies in order to rapidly distribute this TB treatment.
This philanthropy did not keep Dr. Waksman from feeling the heat of controversy. One of his research assistants sued Waksman for a share of the profits from a discovery. The Schatz Case is covered in this unit using Waksman's own documents.
His notoriety, combined with his scholarly interest and love of Jewish history, led to the creation of the Institute of General and Industrial Microbiology at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. Waksman was a strong supporter of the state of Israel. He was also very critical of the treatment, behind the Iron Curtain of Communism, of scientists by the Soviet Union. (These topics are under development as the archival information is made available). Waksman traveled extensively and the foreign profits from his work were used to establish microbiology research centers in Japan and France.
This unit will provide insight on the process of scientific discovery and the problems associated with it such as intellectual property rights and the role of politics and science. The documents that are presented here are used with the permission of the Rutgers University Archives by the Electronic New Jersey history project. Their reproduction for scholarly purposes is encouraged when proper credit is given. Check back with this site throughout the year as the high school teachers working on this project will be trying to add more information.
To visit the Waksman Institute at Rutgers University, click here.
To read an excerpt from the biography written by Paul Israel, whose notes accompanies the Waksman Collection at Rutgers, click here.


text:
Parent Portal
Mission & Goals
Staff & Facilities
Letters to Laurel Hill
Visit Our Facebook Page
LHS in the News
Contact Us
Early Childhood
Philosophy & Goals
Setting, Staff, & Security
The Infant Program
Toddler & Preschool Program (2 to 4 year olds)
Primary & Middle School
Primary School
Curriculum Overview
Technology & Robotics
Music & Art
Beyond the Textbook
Student Life
Creating Community
Middle School
Curriculum Overview
Technology & Robotics
Music & Art
Honor Courses
Junior Honor Society
Beyond the Textbook
Student Life
Creating Community
Happenings At LHS
Camp Programs
Infant – 6 wks – 24 months
Toddler – 2 yrs – 3 yrs
Pre-school – 3yr – 5yr
Discovery Camp – Gr. K – 9
Sports Fever – Gr. 2 – 6
Studio & Stage – Gr. 2 – 9
Teenshop Travel – Gr. 6 – 9
C.I.T – Gr. 10
Academic Center for Enrichment – Gr. K – 5
Camp Activities
Arts, Music, & Drama
Special Events
Summer Camp Photo Gallery
Application for Summer Program
School Open House
Camp Open House
Camp Highlights
Parent Testimonials
Registration For School & Camp
Online Applications
Application for Grades K-8
Application For Pre-school Program
Application for Toddler Program
Application for Infant Program
Application for Summer Program
School Registration
School Registration Forms
Camp Forms & Tuition Rates
Summer Registration Forms
Upper Camp Rates
Pre-school Camp Rates
Middle School Tours
Parent Testimonials
Friday Newsletter 9/16/22
Open House
To Register For Our Camp Open House 3/23/24 @ 1pm
LHS is a recognized New York State private school, located in Suffolk County, Long Island.
Parent Bravos
Here is a small sample of some of the beautiful comments from our Parents
From a 6th Grade Parent:
Dear Mr and Mrs Stark,
And all our wonderful LHS teachers! We want to support all parents in sending our deepest grati
tude for giving our kids some sense of normalcy during these very challenging times.
It's very important for us to know that while my husband, as many other ICU doctors and nurses, are fighting every day with this vicious disease, our children can still follow their routine, learn, and communicate with their teachers and friends. It helps us, parents, and it definitely helps kids to continue their growth as individuals.
I see excitement in (our daughter's) eyes when she is getting ready for school in the morning, when she is running to the printer to get an assignment, or just talking to her friends during breaks.
Thank you so much to every single one of you!
From a 3YR Old Parent:
"We wanted to say thank you for accommodating the preschool families with the tuition suspension during this time.
We are also amazed (and truly grateful) that the zoom on- line learning format is continuing despite the circumstances.
I know this is not an easy time for businesses, organizations etc. If there is anything at all we can do to help the school during this time or once we return, please let us know. Maybe a fundraiser or maybe there is something we can do for our individual teachers. Just brainstorming…
Finally, some thoughts as we've entered week 3 of zoom/on-line learning. It's been such a wonderful experience participating in our kids' learning! Yes managing working from home and helping with homeschool can be exciting… but I've enjoyed seeing firsthand how dedicated our teachers are to not only teaching and providing additional resources to enhance learning, but also doing it with such great enthusiasm.
There's a great sense of community and collaboration between administration, teachers and parents, and it is evident that our main goal is how to make this experience the best it can possibly be.
How lucky are we to have such amazingly dedicated teachers in our kids' lives! How blessed are we to be part of the
Laurel Hill family!
In the midst of chaos you have given us a sense of normalcy and we are genuinely appreciative of all your efforts.
As Charles Dickens famously observed…
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . .
it was the season of
it was the spring of hope . . .
We at Laurel Hill live "the best of times" every day because we are blessed by the beauty, by the serene innocence, and by the precocity of our boys and girls.
We at Laurel Hill live "the best of times" every day for the blessing of totally dedicated teachers and support staff who clearly know why they selected to do what they do in career and in life and give, and give, and give tirelessly to fulfill their greatest ambitions for their children's growth and well being.
We at Laurel Hill live "the best of times" because we are blessed to have families joined with us to support and to build – partners in turning great ideas into great accomplishments, partners ready to share their skills and to help in the work that needs to be done.
Ms. Bond's Zoom Classroom
Never in my teaching career would I have thought that I would need to teach elementary class via online classes. Yet, here we are in uncertain times, teaching in a media platform that is geared towards the children of this generation.
As apprehensive as I was before the first day of Zoom (I woke up a number of times during the night like it was my first day of school!), I now feel energized and excited about what we are able to do with the Zoom program. I've found that I've been able to keep most of my teaching the same as when it is a live class! In Reading, we've done an author study and vocabulary work in just three days! I am so proud of how much hard work my students continue to do while they are at home!
Read Ms. Bond's Full Message
I hope this email finds you well and safe. I have been thinking about you & Mr. Stark often and must first apologize for the time lapse in reaching out to express my deepest gratitude. I can't believe that we have just completed 3 weeks of successful and engaging remote learning. Your steadfast leadership at the onset of this crisis was inspiring. As this crisis turned into a nationwide tragic pandemic, your engaging and detailed remote learning program did not waiver. In fact, it strengthened! Our children were the lucky ones to maintain a sense of normalcy with their routine schedule and engaging "live" classes with all of their treasured teachers and classmate friends.
Read More Parent Testimonials

subset: commoncrawl


text:
When a photograph of a flaming laptop computer circulated on the Internet in the summer of 2006, Dell Computer quickly got a two-part lesson in the power of Web 2.0.
The lesson had little to do with the risks of an extended supply chain (the fire was the result of a faulty battery made by a third party and used in laptops and other devices manufactured by many companies) and everything to do with the risks — and opportunities — of a phenomenon that some tout as the Next Big Thing, others claim is already passé, and still others maintain doesn't exist at all.
"Web 2.0" is a term used to describe both a collection of relatively new Web technologies and, perhaps more important for CFOs, the changes in business processes that those technologies make possible. Collectively these technologies, which include blogs, podcasts, social networks, and other innovations (see "The ABC's of 2.0" at the end of this article), emphasize the Web's ability to foster communication, between companies and customers, between employees, or both.
The debate regarding Web 2.0's status as a legitimate paradigm shift, a brief fad, or a complete myth hinges on two things. First, there is no clear dividing line between Web 1.0 and any subsequent second generation. The Web was created to foster communication, and continuous enhancements have improved its ability to do so, making it virtually impossible to point to any time period or specific development that qualifies as an unambiguous leap forward. Second, at least some of the technologies that are often identified with Web 2.0 seem more gimmicky than substantive, appealing to younger Web users who will embrace anything new, but unlikely to have a lasting impact on how most people use the Web.
Despite those caveats, executives shouldn't dismiss the Web 2.0 concept out of hand. There is a perceptible and rapid evolution in how employees and customers use the Internet, and in what they expect from it, and while the definition of Web 2.0 may be arbitrary and even contentious, it's a useful shorthand for changes that are afoot.
We Hear You
Take Dell. Just days before the infamous photo of the inflamed laptop circulated on the Web, Dell had launched "one2one," a customer-focused blog on which the company promised frank discussions about product-development efforts and other aspects of its business.
In its first few days, the blog offered no acknowledgement of a laptop-battery problem. That sparked the ire of the burgeoning ranks of consumer bloggers, who dismissed Dell's foray into this particular Web 2.0 technology as predictable corporate pabulum.
Then Dell got religion. Yes, said one of its blogging employees, the battery issue did merit serious attention and, in fact, Dell was talking to the Consumer Products Safety Commission and an independent lab about how to assess and respond to the matter.
Normally, the "We're aware of the problem and are working to correct it" response is regarded as the classic corporate dodge, but in this case Dell was praised for its forthright (if tardy) response.
Was there something fundamentally different about issuing that statement in a blog versus a press release? Yes, say advocates of Web 2.0. Charlene Yi, principal analyst at Forrester Research and a co-author of the forthcoming book Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies, says that by responding via its corporate blog, Dell spoke directly to the customers who were asking pointed questions. More important, she says, was what happened next: Dell continued to respond quickly to a range of questions, entering into the kind of direct dialogue with customers that is one hallmark of Web 2.0.
Freedom of Speech
To make that happen, employees had to be empowered to respond without running their comments through three layers of legal approval. This is where Web 2.0 becomes a delicate matter for many senior executives. Whether used to address customer concerns in a blog or to share contacts or other potentially sensitive material with co-workers, Web 2.0 technologies don't generally fit well with a command-and-control management approach.
Li says companies may have little choice but to change. "Employees and customers are taking control whether you like it or not," she says. Many Web 2.0 technologies are already creeping into companies in much the same way that instant messaging did — imported by employees who have grown accustomed to them at home.
Web 2.0 already has a large footprint within the business world. A 2007 survey by McKinsey & Co. found that 70 percent of respondents were using some combination of Web 2.0 technologies to communicate with customers, while 75 percent were using Web 2.0 internally to improve the ways in which employees collaborate and share knowledge.
Web 2.0 technologies get a boost by being relatively cheap. Li says that a sophisticated blogging system costs no more than $20,000, while an enterprisewide wiki might run in the low six figures.
Bandwagon, Pass By
Not everyone is enamored with the promise of Web 2.0. Deri Jones, CEO of UK-based Web design firm SciVisum, predicts that 2008 will usher in the demise of Web 2.0 — at least to a degree. Its "cool factor" as a form of customer connection will diminish, he says, as companies that have rushed to create some sort of "user-generated content" area on their Websites realize no one is using it. "Giving [customers] more control is good," he says, "but if you expect them to make your site more content- rich and build a community for you, it won't always work."
Li and colleague Josh Bernoff advise companies to first understand the "social technographics" of their customers — six broad classifications of Web fluency — and map those to company objectives and strategies before considering any specific technologies to deploy.
Companies that do that increase their odds of keeping pace with Web 2.0 as it evolves. Which raises the question: Is there such a thing as Web 3.0? Yes, but that's a topic for another day — perhaps one best addressed in a podcast or RSS feed.
Scott Leibs is a deputy editor at CFO.
The ABC's of 2.0
While Web 2.0 can be hard to define, it's often used as a blanket term for a handful of specific technologies, including:
Blogs. Officially "weblogs" (although using that term will draw blank stares), blogs can be online diaries but more often take the form of a running conversation between a site owner and people who visit that site. They often focus on a specific topic or issue, and some Websites may feature many blogs.
Mash-ups. A combination of content from various sources that results in something new, such as a map combined with photos, restaurant listings, weather reports, and so on.
Peer-to-peer networks. A method of sharing files on the Internet or private networks that distributes content across many machines.
Podcasts. Downloadable audio/video content meant to be played back on portable media players (like Apple's iPod) or PCs.
Social networking. Online communities that allow members to share contacts and other information. Can be public (Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn) or private (run by a company or other organization, with membership limited).
RSS. Really Simple Syndication, a way to subscribe to online news, podcasts, and so on, often with a means of viewing them in the aggregate.
Wikis. Collaborative content-creation systems that allow for multiple authorship, with Wikipedia being perhaps the best-known example.


text:
Mikie Sherrill on War & Peace | |
Project Vote Smart inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'National Security: Do you support increased American intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts beyond air support?' PVS self-description: "The Political Courage Test provides voters with positions on key issues. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."
Congressional Summary: H.J.Res.37 directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting Yemen within 30 days unless Congress authorizes a later withdrawal date, issues a declaration of war, or specifically authorizes the use of the Armed Forces. Prohibited activities include providing in-flight fueling for non-U.S. aircraft conducting missions as part of the conflict in Yemen.
Statement in opposition by Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN-1): This legislation would hamper the ability of our military commanders to limit terrorist activity in Yemen, and would create a vacuum for Iran to fill. I believe that the withdrawal of our forces from the region should be done in a way that ensures long term security and stability
Statement in support by Rep. Adam David Smith (D-WA-9): The civil war in Yemen has led to the world's worst humanitarian crisis with over half of the population facing severe food insecurity and 24 million Yemenis in need of humanitarian assistance. Passage of this resolution in the House sends a clear message to this Administration that Congress does not support de facto support for the Saudi-led coalition in this conflict. The US should be focused on working towards a peaceful resolution to this conflict and taking measures to alleviate the devastating humanitarian situation."
Statement in opposition by Rep. George Holding (R-NC-02): As part of their expansive campaign to destabilize the region, Iran is providing extensive support and aid to the Houthi rebel forces responsible for precipitating this conflict in the first place. Thankfully, Saudi Arabia has stepped up and taken a key leadership role in combating the Iranian-backed rebels. We should be supporting their efforts.
Legislative outcome: House Bill Passed 248-177-6 on rollcall #577. No action in Senate [died in Committee].
Axios.com summary: The House passed a symbolic war powers resolution directing President Trump to halt the use of military force against Iran unless he obtains approval from Congress.
The big picture: A classified briefing on the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani [by the US military] left Democrats and even some Republicans deeply skeptical, with many claiming that officials did not provide evidence that there was an "imminent" threat from Iran. Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rand Paul (R-KY) said they will vote in favor of a similar resolution in the Senate [S J Res 68].
What opponents are saying: Former national security adviser and notorious Iran hawk John Bolton tweeted: "The 1973 War Powers Resolution is unconstitutional. It reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how the Constitution allocated foreign affairs authority between the President and Congress. The Resolution should be repealed." Pres. Trump quote tweeted Bolton and added: "Smart analysis, I fully agree!"
What supporters are saying: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) was one of the few Republicans to vote in favor of the resolution, stating on the House floor: "Killing Soleimani was the right decision, but engaging in another forever war in the Middle East would be the wrong decision." Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced legislation that would block funding for offensive military force against Iran without congressional authorization. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) is also seeking to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which has been used repeatedly to justify war in the Middle East in the wake of 9/11. Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the AUMF in 2001, criticizing it as a "blank check."
Legislative outcome: H Con Res 83 Passed House 224-194-13 on 1/9/20; S J Res 68 passed Senate 55-45-0 on 2/13/20. Vetoed 5/6; Senate veto override failed 5/7/20.
Politico.com in OPPOSITION, 3/25/21: Republicans who opposed repealing the 2002 authorization said that it should be replaced because Iraq is still home to terror groups that threaten the United States. Rep. Michael McCaul called for consultations with first in order to craft a replacement. "Real AUMF reform requires Congress and the administration working together on actual text to replace the aging 2001 and 2002 AUMFs to provide authorities needed to keep the American people, and, most importantly, our deployed troops, safe from terrorists," McCaul said.
Heritage Foundation in SUPPORT (1/6/20): There has been an open and vibrant debate about whether the 2001 AUMF covers ISIS, a terrorist organization that did not even exist when the 2001 statute was passed and has disavowed and formally broken away from al-Qaeda, the group that is covered by the 2001 AUMF. Yet both the Obama and Trump Administrations claim that the 2001 AUMF covers ISIS and associated forces. Congress has shied away from the much-needed debate about whether the 2002 Iraq AUMF is no longer necessary.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 268-161-2 on H.R.256 on 6/17/2021 (rollcall 172; no vote on S.J.R.10 nor H.R.3261 in 2021)
| ||||
2021-22 Governor, House and Senate candidates on War & Peace: | Mikie Sherrill on other issues: | |||
NJ Gubernatorial: Barbara Buono Chris Christie Cory Booker Doug Steinhardt Hirsh Singh Jack Ciattarelli Joe Rullo John Wisniewski Kim Guadagno Phil Murphy Seth Kaper-Dale NJ Senatorial: Bob Hugin Cory Booker Hirsh Singh Jeff Chiesa Murray Sabrin Rich Pezzullo Rik Mehta Robert Menendez Stuart Meissner |
Open Seats / Turnovers 2022:
AL-5: Mo Brooks (R) running for AL Senator CA-37: Karen Bass (D) running for mayor of Los Angeles FL-10: Val Demings (D) running for FL Senator FL-13: Charlie Crist (D) running for FL governor HI-2: Kai Kahele (D) running for MD governor MD-4: Anthony G. Brown (D) running for attorney general of Maryland MO-4: Vicky Hartzler (R) running for MO Senator MO-7: Billy Long (R) running for MO Senator NY-1: Lee Zeldin (R) running for NY governor NY-3: Thomas Suozzi (D) running for NY governor NC-8: Ted Budd (R) running for NC Senator NC-11: Madison Cawthorn (R) Incumbent lost renomination OH-13: Tim Ryan (D) running for OH Senator OK-2: Markwayne Mullin (R) running for OK Senator OR-5: Kurt Schrader (D) Incumbent lost renomination PA-17: Conor Lamb (D) running for PA Senator SC-7: Tom Rice (R) Incumbent lost renomination TX-1: Louie Gohmert (R) running for attorney general of Texas VT-0: Peter Welch (D) running for VT Senator Special Elections 2021: LA-2: Troy Carter (R, April 2021) LA-5: Julia Letlow (R, March 2021) NM-1: Melanie Stansbury (D, June 2021) OH-11: Shontel Brown (D, Nov. 2021) OH-15: Mike Carey (R, Nov. 2021) TX-6: Jake Ellzey (R, July 2021) |
Hot Races 2022:
CA-27: Christy Smith (D) vs. Mike Garcia (R) FL 27: Annette Taddeo (D) vs. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) GA-7: Carolyn Bourdeaux (D) lost redistricting race to Lucy McBath (D) GA-10: Vernon Jones(R) vs. Paul Broun (R,lost May 24 primary) to replace Jody Hice (R) running for Secretary of GA ME-2: Bruce Poliquin (R) rematch against Jared Golden (D) MI-10: John James (R) - running for newly redistricted seat MI-11: Andy Levin (D) redistricted to face Haley Stevens (D) MT 1: Ryan Zinke (R) - running for newly created seat MT-2: Al Olszewski(R) vs. Sam Rankin(Libertarian) vs. Matt Rosendale(R) NJ-7: Thomas Kean Jr. (R) challenging Tom Malinowski (R) NY-10: Bill de Blasio (D) challenging Mondaire Jones (D) NY-11: Max Rose (D) challenging Nicole Malliotakis (R) NY 12: Carolyn Maloney (D) redistricted to face Jerry Nadler (D) RI-2: Seth Magaziner (D) vs. Allan Fung (R) RI-1: Allen Waters (R) vs. David Cicilline (D) TX-34: Mayra Flores (R) - Elected SPEL June 2022; general election Nov. 2022 against Vicente Gonzalez (D) WA-4: Brad Klippert (R) challenging Dan Newhouse (R) WV-2: David McKinley lost a redistricting race to fellow incumbent Alex Mooney Special Elections 2022: AK-0: Sarah Palin (R) vs. Al Gross (Independent) CA-22: Connie Conway (R) replaced Devin Nunes on June 7. FL-20: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D) replaced Alcee Hastings on Jan. 11. MN-1: vacancy left by Jim Hagedorn (R), deceased Feb. 17; SPEL on August 9. NE-1: Jeffrey Fortenberry (R) Resigned on March 31, after being convicted; Mike Flood (R) in SPEL on June 28. NY-19: Marc Molinaro (R) running for SPEL Aug. 23 for seat vacated by Antonio Delgado (D), now Lt.Gov. TX-34: Mayra Flores (R) SPEL June 14 for seat vacated by Filemon Vela Jr. (D) |
Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Jobs Principles Social Security Tax Reform Technology War/Peace Welfare/Poverty Candidate Information: Main Page Profile NJ politicians |


text:
How much do you need?
I do get asked some quite strange questions at times, but they are usually one-offs. But this one pops up quite regularly and every time it does, there is never enough information given to me to answer it.
Even with lots of information, it would still be an impossible question to answer, but when the question is something like
"I'm moving to Australia next month with my wife and two teenage children, what would be a good salary to ensure a comfortable lifestyle for me and my family?"
What chance do I have?
Calculating YOUR comfortable family income
Here's what I think you need to take into consideration when calculating a comfortable family income for you and your family. You might be able to think of many more.
- Cost of mortgage or rent.
- Cost of running a car or cars.
- Cost of food for your family.
- Cost of utilities; electricity, gas, water and rates.
- Cost of additional shopping items; clothes, gadgets, health and beauty, jewellery, computers and toys.
- Cost of insurances, for the home and for private medical insurance.
- Cost of telephones, both home and mobile.
- Cost of entertainment items, like holidays, alcohol, digital TV, going out.
- Cost of unexpected maintenance bills, for your home, for your car and other things that break.
So to answer these sort of questions, you'd have to offer me a lot of information or I'd have to ask you a lot of further questions.
As you can see, it really is an impossible question for me to answer, but you can answer it for yourself.
Check out my page about The Costs of Stuff.
A simple solution.
If you are coming here from the UK though, this works quite well. However much you spend per month over there in pounds, you'll probably need twice the amount here in Australian dollars. So if you need £4,000 a month in the UK, budget $8,000 a month here.
Sounds stupid doesn't it? But I bet it wont be far out.
How can I make sure I earn twice as much in AUD as I currently earn in GBP?
Salaries in Australia are higher than those in the UK, by my estimates over 30% higher; click on the third link below under the title "More useful links:" to my post comparing UK and Australian salaries to see how I got to that.
Once your salary is adjusted to Australian dollars and taking into account the high salaries, you will see from the salary comparison charts on that page that it is quite easy to earn double what you earn in pounds in the UK here in Australian dollars.
Check it out for yourself, and I've even updated that post with a 2012 version, you'll see a link to it from the original post.
More useful links:
My report about The Cost of Living "Comfortably" in Australia
My post called Real Australians Reveal Their Incomes And Monthly Expenses
My entire category on the Cost of Living in Australia.
My posts about jobs and salaries:


text:
The Story of the Glittering Plain - Chapter 12
THEY LOOK ON THE KING OF THE GLITTERING PLAINSo now the women led them along up the stream, and Hallblithe went side by side by the Sea-eagle; but the women had become altogether merry again, and played and ran about them as gamesome as young goats; and they waded the shallows of the clear bright stream barefoot to wash their limbs of the sea-brine, and strayed about the meadows, plucking the flowers and making them wreaths and chaplets, which they did upon themselves and the Sea-eagle; but Hallblithe they touched not, for still they feared him. They went on as the stream led them up toward the hills, and ever were the meads about them as fair and flowery as might be. Folk they saw afar off, but fell in with none for a good while, saving a man and a maid clad lightly as for mid-summer days, who were wandering together lovingly and happily by the stream-side, and who gazed wonderingly on the stark Sea-eagle, and on Hallblithe with his glittering spear. The black-haired damsel greeted these twain and spake something to them, and they laughed merrily, and the man stooped down amongst the grasses and blossoms of the bank, and drew forth a basket, and spread dainty victuals on the grass under a willow-tree, and bade them be his guests that fair afternoon. So they sat down there above the glistering stream and ate and drank and were merry. Thereafter the new-comers and their way-leaders departed with kind words, and still set their faces towards the hills. At last they saw before them a little wooded hill, and underneath it something red and shining, and other coloured things gleaming in the sun about it. Then said the Sea-eagle: "What have we yonder?" Said his damsel: "That is the pavilion of the King; and about it are the tents and tilts of our folk who are of his fellowship: for oft he abideth in the fields with them, though he hath houses and halls as fair as the heart of man can conceive." "Hath he no foemen to fear?" said the Sea-eagle. "How should that be?" said the damsel. "If perchance any came into this land to bring war upon him, their battle-anger should depart when once the bliss of the Glittering Plain had entered into their souls, and they would ask for nought but leave to abide here and be happy. Yet I trow that if he had foemen he could crush them as easily as I set my foot on this daisy." So as they went on they fell in with many folk, men and women, sporting and playing in the fields; and there was no semblance of eld on any of them, and no scar or blemish or feebleness of body or sadness of countenance; nor did any bear a weapon or any piece of armour. Now some of them gathered about the new-corners, and wondered at Hallblithe and his long spear and shining helm and dark grey byrny; but none asked concerning them, for all knew that they were folk new come to the bliss of the Glittering Plain. So they passed amidst these fair folk little hindered by them, and into Hallblithe's thoughts it came how joyous the fellowship of such should be and how his heart should be raised by the sight of them, if only his troth-plight maiden were by his side. Thus then they came to the King's pavilion, where it stood in a bight of the meadow-land at the foot of the hill, with the wood about it on three sides. So fair a house Hallblithe deemed he had never seen; for it was wrought all over with histories and flowers, and with hems sewn with gold, and with orphreys of gold and pearl and gems. There in the door of it sat the King of the Land in an ivory chair; he was clad in golden gown, girt with a girdle of gems, and had his crown on his head and his sword by his side. For this was the hour wherein he heard what any of his folk would say to him, and for that very end he sat there in the door of his tent, and folk were standing before him, and sitting and lying on the grass round about; and now one, now another, came up to him and spoke before him. His face shone like a star; it was exceeding beauteous, and as kind as the even of May in the gardens of the happy, when the scent of the eglantine fills all the air. When he spoke his voice was so sweet that all hearts were ravished, and none might gainsay him. But when Hallblithe set eyes on him, he knew at once that this was he whose carven image he had seen in the Hall of the Ravagers, and his heart beat fast, and he said to himself: "Hold up thine head now, O Son of the Raven, strengthen thine heart, and let no man or god cow thee. For how can thine heart change, which bade thee go to the house wherefrom it was due to thee to take the pleasure of woman, and there to pledge thy faith and troth to her that loveth thee most, and hankereth for thee day by day and hour by hour, so that great is the love that we twain have builded up." Now they drew nigh, for folk fell back before them to the right and left, as before men who are new come and have much to do; so that there was nought between them and the face of the King. But he smiled upon them so that he cheered their hearts with the hope of fulfilment of their desires, and he said: "Welcome, children! Who be these whom ye have brought hither for the increase of our joy? Who is this tall, ruddy-faced, joyous man so meet for the bliss of the Glittering Plain? And who is this goodly and lovely young man, who beareth weapons amidst our peace, and whose face is sad and stern beneath the gleaming of his helm? Said the dark-haired damsel: "O King! O Gift-giver and assurer of joy! this tall one is he who was once oppressed by eld, and who hath come hither to thee from the Isle of Ransom, according to the custom of the land." Said the King: "Tall man, it is well that thou art come. Now are thy days changed and thou yet alive. For thee battle is ended, and therewith the reward of battle, which the warrior remembereth not amidst the hard hand-play: peace hath begun, and thou needest not be careful for the endurance thereof: for in this land no man hath a lack which he may not satisfy without taking aught from any other. I deem not that thine heart may conceive a desire which I shall not fulfil for thee, or crave a gift which I shall not give thee." Then the Sea-eagle laughed for joy, and turned his head this way and that, so that he might the better take to him the smiles of all those that stood around. Then the King said to Hallblithe: "Thou also art welcome; I know thee who thou art: meseemeth great joy awaiteth thee, and I will fulfil thy desire to the uttermost." Said Hallblithe: "O great King of a happy land, I ask of thee nought save that which none shall withhold from me uncursed." "I will give it to thee," said the King, "and thou shalt bless me. But what is it which thou wouldst? What more canst thou have than the Gifts of the land?" Said Hallblithe: "I came hither seeking no gifts, but to have mine own again; and that is the bodily love of my troth-plight maiden. They stole her from me, and me from her; for she loved me. I went down to the sea-side and found her not, nor the ship which had borne her away. I sailed from thence to the Isle of Ransom, for they told me that there I should buy her for a price; neither was her body there. But her image came to me in a dream of the night, and bade me seek to her hither. Therefore, O King, if she be here in the land, show me how I shall find her, and if she be not here, show me how I may depart to seek her otherwhere. This is all my asking." Said the King: "Thy desire shall be satisfied; thou shalt have the woman who would have thee, and whom thou shouldst have." Hallblithe was gladdened beyond measure by that word; and now did the King seem to him a comfort and a solace to every heart, even as he had deemed of his carven image in the Hall of the Ravagers; and he thanked him, and blessed him. But the King bade him abide by him that night, and feast with him. "And on the morrow," said he, "thou shalt go thy ways to look on her whom thou oughtest to love." Therewith was come the eventide and beginning of night, warm and fragrant and bright with the twinkling of stars, and they went into the King's pavilion, and there was the feast as fair and dainty as might be; and Hallblithe had meat from the King's own dish, and drink from his cup; but the meat had no savour to him and the drink no delight, because of the longing that possessed him. And when the feast was done, the damsels led Hallblithe to his bed in a fair tent strewn with gold about his head like the starry night, and he lay down and slept for sheer weariness of body. |


text:
Breastfeeding is part of my story. It is part of Emily's story. From her birth to her death, I nursed her. The connection we shared for those 7 months and 6 days will forever be precious to me.
Emily and I shared a nursing relationship that was unique. I've nursed all my children, but by the time Emily, number 5, came along, I was a seasoned breastfeeding mama and we were good…real good. So good in fact, I managed to nurse her while climbing down into a dark, and rather treacherous, cave in South Dakota, adding to my extensive list of Places I've Breastfed.
When she became sick that night in December of 2007, I nursed her through the scary early morning hours in that lonely hospital room, waiting for a diagnosis…a diagnosis that would eventually bring a stall to our breastfeeding relationship for days on end as her tiny body healed from major surgery.
The day we were reunited, baby to breast, I cried. I held her close, tucking those stray wisps of fuzzy brown hair behind her ears and murmuring my affection in that secret language of mothers and babies everywhere. All the tubes and wires in the world could not keep me from her.
Life post-surgery was challenging and changed for us. Emily was fragile. She nursed every two hours around the clock. Yet, my patience held. I still look back at those weeks with fondness and an awe that I never once felt tied down or irritated by the nearly constant breastfeeding sessions. Did I know? Did I somehow sense those days were numbered and soon, much too soon, I would be left with only memories? Did I feel her tiny frame slipping from my fingers as I held her tightly and gave of myself in the only way I knew how?
In the early morning hours of February 10, 2008, I nursed my little Emily for the very last time…just 3 short hours before her death. It was just her and I in a darkened room…connecting. For weeks on end following her death, I could feel her next to me suckling as my mind climbed out of the depth of dreams and into the world of awareness. Not only did my heart ache for Emily, my body ached for her as well. In excruciating, primal pain, my body mourned her absence. Slowly, unwelcome emptiness set in and I was left with memories…beautiful memories.
Breastfeeding is not just something you do. It is something you feel. It is a connection, a bond, that spans time…eternity, if you will. It is not just a mother feeding a baby. It is a mother and a child intertwined in a dance with steps only they know, with emotions only they share. What I wouldn't do to dance with her again.
Instead, I dance with another. A new little nursling with beauty and grace all his own. He does not replace the sister he never knew, but his presence soothes her absence. As the two of us share silent, solitary moments in the middle of the night, I am reminded of her and blessed by him.


text:
Our site is optimized for today's modern browsers. To fully benefit from our site's features, please download the latest version of either:
Austin Sports Center
Austin Junior Volleyball
Lone Star Classic
AJV Boys Financial Assistance: Overview
AJV Scholarship Fund Mission Statement:
To provide an opportunity for young men to participate in Austin Junior Volleyball by helping them to achieve their full athletic potential through the promotion of leadership, teamwork, friendship, character, goal setting and self-discipline.
The Austin Junior Volleyball Financial Assistance Program is comprised of two funds:
The Financial Assistance Fund
The Financial Assistance Fund, or the AJV Scholarship Fund, was created to give all volleyball players the opportunity to play, regardless of their ability to pay. The committee associated with the AJV Scholarship Fund raises money through the sale of sportswear and decals, a silent auction, and private donations. The money raised is distributed to AJV player accounts for applicants who have submitted an application* on time and demonstrated financial need.
The Scholarship Committee meets in March each year to review scholarship applications and determine awards. Recipients will be notified of the amount they are to receive this season no later than April 1, 2018.
*Please note that in order for your application to be considered by the AJV Scholarship Committee, you must have submitted the AJV Scholarship Application AND Agreement ON TIME. Failure to comply with either of the above requirements will result in disqualification from receiving a Scholarship Grant.
The Madison Bingaman Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Madison Bingaman Memorial Scholarship Fund (the "Bing" Fund) was set-up in the summer of 2007 in honor of the late Madison Bingaman (Stony Point student and AJV Class of '07) who tragically died in a car accident on her way to UMBC for her freshman season. Madison played for Austin Junior Volleyball for six years and was a true friend, teammate, and competitor. She loved volleyball and loved life.
The "Bing" Fund was created to pass on the legacy of Madison Bingaman by awarding a scholarship to players who have excelled in some way during the volleyball season. There is no application for the "Bing" Award. The recipients are selected based on their representation of Madison's outstanding character and are announced at the annual AJV Awards Banquet in May.


text:
Providing genetic testing since 1992 and having ten years experience in large animal medicine enables us to offer unique and valuable insights in the fields of DNA diagnostics and agriculture. This combination of experience is your assurance that you will receive knowledgeable consultation from our professional staff, valid results from our advanced technology, and efficient quality personal service.
Our goal is a satisfied customer. We know a satisfied customer serves as a reference to our quality in the industry. GenAlysis Laboratory, Inc. understands the economics of agriculture, therefore, we continuously strive to keep test prices low. We want you to be able to afford genetic testing to help you remain successful into the future.
You may print out a submission form from this web site and give us a call (toll free) with any questions. A courteous receptionist, will be happy to assist you.


text:
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson says he has received approval from NBA Commissioner David Stern to present a counteroffer to the league from investors who would keep the Kings in California's capital city.
Speaking at the annual State of Downtown Breakfast on Tuesday, Johnson says the city is in a "six-week sprint" to put together a proposal for the NBA's Board of Governors to consider. The league's deadline for teams to apply for relocation is March 1.
People with knowledge of the situation said last week that a group led by investor Chris Hansen, who wants to return the NBA to Seattle, has contacted the Maloof family about buying the Kings. They spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because no deal has been reached.
The Kings and the NBA have declined to comment.


text:
The National Institute on Aging and NIH are working with a team of federal agencies to encourage older adults to register as organ donors. Led by the Health Resources and Services Administration and launched during Older Americans Month in May 2012, the new campaign seeks to increase knowledge and interest about organ donation to people 50 and older, who comprise the majority of people receiving organ transplants.
Last year, 60 percent of the people receiving organ transplants were 50 and older. Today, more than 114,000 people of all ages are on the waiting list for an organ.
At the same time, more than 99 million people in the U.S. today are age 50 or older. But, more than 20 percent believe that they are too old to register as an organ donor.
The website www.organdonor.gov now features information on organ donation geared toward people 50+. The site attempts to dispel myths about organ donation with advancing age and provides answers to several frequently asked questions. At www.organdonor.gov, you can find specific instructions on how to register to be an organ donor in your state. You can also register for organ donation when you renew your driver's license.
"Age doesn't make you ineligible to sign up, nor do you have to be in perfect health," says NIA Deputy Director Marie A. Bernard, M.D. "Your ability to donate is determined by a doctor at the time of death.
"More people today are living healthier lives and know about the importance of living and eating well and exercising," Dr. Bernard continues. "That means we're in better shape than ever. We're also able to be donors and recipients at later ages than anyone might have imagined. The NIA joins the effort to encourage people 50 and older to think about organ donation and the power such a gift has to save lives and health of family, friends, and neighbors."


text:
The 500000th motor vehicle rolled off the Volkswagen Group Rus plant's assembly line in Kaluga on November 21.
The jubilee car, a Volkswagen Polo sedan, painted the official colors of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and Paralympics, was handed over to the city's sports and fitness center Leader – a municipal budget-funded institution whose mission, among other things, is to promote physical rehabilitation and social adaptation of people with limited health abilities.
The company is pushing ahead with unflagging efforts to increase its production capacity. Plans for building a gasoline engines plant feature prominently on its near-term agenda. The first engines of local manufacture are expected in 2015.
"The 500000th vehicle manufactured in Russia is a happy and memorable event for the Volkswagen Group Rus and also an indication of successful economic and social cooperation with Russia. It is only three years since the launch of the full production cycle plant in Kaluga. Over this period of time we managed to significantly build up the production potential. Currently, more than half of the vehicles the company sells on the Russian market are made in Russia," says Volkswagen Group Rus CEO Markus Ozegovic. 'We very much appreciate the support we get from the Kaluga Region's government, and we are very glad to give the jubilee Polo sedan as a gift to the city, which can use it at local sports events."
About the region's automotive industry prospects Governor Anatoly Artamonov said creation of new high-tech industries was a priority.
"We've got to get better every single day, to introduce new technologies, to keep abreast with progress in science and engineering," Artamonov said. "This will surely contribute to further improving the investment climate and the personnel potential of the region and give the people here a better life."


text:
CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Lucas Troutman recorded his second double-double of the season as Elon knocked off Western Carolina 80-67 in Southern Conference action Monday night.
Troutman scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Jack Isenbarger added 16 points and Sebastian Koch had 15 for the Phoenix (9-7, 2-2).
Trey Sumler had a career-high 32 points for the Catamounts (7-10, 4-1), who had held sole possession of first in the SoCon's North division prior to Monday's game.
Western Carolina led 31-27 at halftime and held the advantage until Troutman's layup made it 39-39 with 15:59 to play. Isenbarger followed with a 3, and the lead changed hands six times over the ensuing 4 minutes.
Elon ended the pinball pace with a 15-0 run that included two treys by Isenbarger and another by Koch for a 62-48 lead with 7:37 remaining. Western Carolina missed four shots and committed three turnovers during the 3 ½-minute run.


text:
Aging is a natural part of life, but aging before your time doesn't need to be.
Most people are aware that negative lifestyle habits like smoking and excessive alcohol can lead to rapid aging, but what about the repeated stress and poor nutrition that are so often a part of the high-pressure lifestyles we lead?
1. Poor Diet
What you eat probably affects your health more than anything else you do. You truly are what you eat, so eat well! When you eat a poor diet– fatty, processed, or fried foods and simple sugars – you invite rapid aging by burdening your body with chemical additives and trans-fats and depriving your body of essential nutrients.
On the other hand, when you eat life-giving foods, you prevent disease and improve organ function.
In general, your diet should consist of a wide array of colors along with organic sources of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Numerous studies show that the different pigments in the skins of fruits and vegetables are powerful antioxidants that can be crucial for maintaining health, preventing cancer, and protecting against environmental toxins.
2. Unhappiness
Unhappiness does not only depress your mood, it also negatively affects your health. In fact, depressed, unhappy people are twice as likely to develop heart disease. And it has been confirmed that personality profile Type C – people that tend towards melancholy, depression, and excessive worry – are more prone to develop cancer. Do not underestimate the power of your mind. Your experience is determined by the energy you embody, and in the end, it is up to you to decide whether you will have a negative or positive attitude in reaction to life's breakdowns.
Many studies have found that an increase in the immune cells that attack cancer cells occurred in cancer patients who experienced 30 minutes of deep belly laughter every day for 12 weeks. Laughter also increases the release of endorphins, compounds that give you a sense of well-being. Undoubtedly, joyful people live longer and healthier lives.
3. Lack of Exercise
I have never met a healthy person or centenarian who lived a physically inactive life. Exercise is essential for a healthy metabolism, proper energy circulation, and the expelling of cellular wastes. Being overweight and inactive is a surefire path to rapid aging and a host of diseases. Cardiovascular exercise is the key to speeding up your metabolism, burning excess calories, and fighting body fat. Brisk walking, hiking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, stair climbing – your options are endless for cardio health!
Exercise for 30 minutes at 60-80 percent of your MHR (maximum heart rate, found by subtracting your age from 220.) Regular exercise is also the key to preventing non-insulin-dependent diabetes, which is the fastest growing disease in industrialized countries throughout the world.
You can stave off rapid aging to your muscles, joints, and tendons by practicing exercises that extend your range of motion; some options include Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and yoga. Self-Healing Qi Gong Meditation helps you understand the causes of disease and demonstrates techniques to help us relieve many common physical conditions. With daily practice you can enhance our health, achieve relaxation and return our bodies to their natural shapes. Don't forget when you are exercising to always warm up and cool down properly to avoid injury.
4. Stress
Stress is a huge byproduct of our busy lives and it takes a tremendous toll on our health. Our body's "survival mode" gets turned on all too often these days. When you are experiencing stress, your body is programmed to go into fight-or-flight mode, a state that requires a lot of energy. Adrenaline is released from the adrenal gland, and it tells the body to convert stored sugar from the liver to glucose because the energy needs of the body increase substantially during the supposed fight-or-flight scenario.
Unfortunately, this scenario almost never plays out and the excess blood sugar that never got used ends up being stored as fat – inevitably resulting in weight gain. What's more, all of this stress continually depletes your body of its energy resources until it crumples under the overload, leading to adrenal exhaustion, a nervous breakdown, or a broken-down immune system. To stay stress-free, remember to breathe deeply all day. And give yourself a break!
5. Lack of Sleep
There's no way around it: the average adult needs seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night to maintain health. Consider that your immune system drops by an average of 60 percent after just three nights of poor sleep. Without sufficient "recovery time" each night, you will run your body down and wear out your life force, paving the way for disharmony and disease.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine, and board certified anti-aging expert. He has appeared regularly on "Dr. Oz," "The Doctors, and "EXTRA." Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition, and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica and Newport Beach. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness more than 25 years ago in addition to also founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at email@example.com. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter visit www.taoofwellness.com.


text:
Reply to forum topics via email
Not plannedOur users are replying to forum topics via email and each reply is creating a new ticket.
Since they can reply to support tickets with email, it seems like they should be able to reply to forum notifications, no?
It silly to require users to interact with Zendesk differently based on a slightly different context — support tickets vs. a topic conversation.
58 Comments
Official comment
Hi everyone,
Thank you very much for all the feedback. At the moment we don't have an accurate plan for when we can do this. We understand the feature request and would also like to eventually fix it. There are however at the moment both various technical blockers and projects that we have prioritized higher than this one. It remains one of our potential improvements for the future.
Indeed the emails that go out look -almost- identical, so the failed email reply is inevitable, as we've seen as well.
I agree with @Than.
Now we have to constantly create a ticket for the suspended "ticket", notify the customer that their comments weren't posted (if they hadn't already opened a ticket asking why their comment didn't show up) and have them either copy/paste the comment to the forum or post it to the forum on their behalf -- of course by then the comment is out of sequence in the conversation.
Definitely do not "love our help desk" on this one.
Absolutely agree with this one, and it's happen to myself as well, replying to a forum post on my iPhone and coming back in the office realising I've just opened a ticket for myself.
Thinking about this a little bit more. It would be much, much better to bounce the email with the forum reply. It's just really stupid to change contexts like this. And what are we supposed to do when someone asks a question in the forum reply, should we just ignore the question until it's asked in the forum, to keep with the context. Or should we answer the question, and then ask the customer to re-ask the question we just answered in the forum so that we can keep the forum post reply flowing? This is just a really awkward desicion to open a ticket on a forum reply.
Please at least bounce the reply!
I agree with bouncing the reply as a minimum but would suggest that users expect to be able to respond to the forum entry. I have only recently started using the forums and I am already managing suspended tickets and the overhead is causing issues already.
We would also love to see this feature supported. Most of our tickets come in via email, so our customers are already used to emailing in requests and responding via email to open requests. They don't understand that they cannot do this to reply to forum topics.
From a usability perspective, ZD missed the mark here.... There should be one set of rules for our customer to follow
- Tickets: log in and post a comment or simply reply via email
- Forums: log in and post a comment but definitely DO NOT simply reply via email !
BTW... I've subscribed to this thread and will respond to all future notifications via email. : )
We would also love to see this feature supported. A large portion of our tickets come in via email and most of the responses our customers send to the tickets are via email. Not being able to respond to the forum requests in the same way as the tickets makes it confusing for the customers(having two sets of rules) and means they may be less likely to keep using the forums(not what we want to happen).
Please update this functionality so that it is consistent throughout your application. Thank you!
Ditto up and down this forum thread. You control the format and content of the outgoing emails from forums. Mark them up however you need to in order to associate them with a forum post and make it a consistent experience for your customers. The forums were one of the features we liked about Zendesk but this lack of consistency is not something we'd anticipated and it devalues the feature. You've got smart developers. Get this on their backlog list and let them make it happen.
+1, replying to a forum post should not raise a new ticket. I've never been able to respond to a forum post via email so I think the reply should be bounced with a message that informs the user they need to go through the site. I would actually discourage people from being able to add to a thread via email (despite the convenience to customers), as people might think they have raised a ticket and are responding privately.
I'm unsure if Peter is suggesting that the fact that users can reply to forum's via email is a bug or if he is suggesting that he does not like that replying to a forum topic via email creates a new ticket. Maybe this should be a feature in which you allow your customers the ability to change the settings so that if we want them to be able to respond via email to a forum topic(this is my vote!), their response will be added to that topic(like they expect it too- and keep it consistent with the way they can respond to tickets via email and have their response is added to the ticket) or allow your customers to turn off the setting and instead have a message sent to them to inform them that they need to login in order to respond to the ticket.
I agree with Dan: "Mark them up however you need to in order to associate them with a forum post and make it a consistent experience for your customers. The forums were one of the features we liked about Zendesk but this lack of consistency is not something we'd anticipated and it devalues the feature. You've got smart developers." You can make this happen, you already have it coded for via email responses. -
I agree with everything in this thread. It it's not possible to automatically reply to community posts via email it would be nice if at the very least the email notification contained text that clearly stated "Do not reply to this email. Post your reply to the community discussion instead." or something along those lines.
Agree that subscribers should be able to respond via email, same as for ticket comments. If there is no way to answer via email from a comment update, then I would also suggest the 'do not reply to this email'. Also do not put the comment in the email response. not a great option for the customer but would force them to go to your knowledge base to see what the comment was.
We're working really hard to have our customers interact as a community and having this feature enabled would go a long way to help this. I know that in reality it only saves them a few clicks to be able to reply vs. login to respond, but if received via email they expect to reply via email.
I completely agree with Allison. Please enable the feature to respond via email.
Hey guys,
I just wanted to chip in, since I can see a lot of you want this feature.
As the Product Manager for the Community in Help Center, I can definitely understand the use case. Brian Adkins, you pointed out very well the challenges that users face with your two bullet points and I agree that it can be difficult to understand that tickets behave different from community discussions.
That being said, supporting this is a massive task. The mail protocols have their own set of limitations and we spend a lot of resources getting mail to work with tickets. While I will in no way rule out that we will implement this at some point, it is not something we expect to be focusing on in the near-term future. One thing that we can do without too much trouble is making it more clear that users should reply in the community. Currently, we do not show anything in the Web portal mail notifications, where as we in the Help Center notifications show this sentence:
"Please do not reply to this message. Email replies will not update Help Center content."
It would be great if you guys could let me know if you are all using Web Portal or if some of you are using Help Center? It could help us to figure out whether that sentence is enough or if we should do more to make it clear.
I know that the best solution would be to allow replying via mail, but considering the complexities I would like to explore other ways of improving this, in recognition of the problem.
I am using Help Center. I think it might be helpful to move the text in question to top of the message, and possibly make it bold.
We use the Web Portal... We'd like to switch to the Help Center, but we would lose functionality at this point... waiting until HC catches up with WP
Hi Christian,
Perhaps the text should read something like this: "Please note that replying to this email will raise a new ticket: if you would like to reply to the Help Center thread, you can access it *here* (link)".
We use HelpCenter.
Actually, we may use Web Portal, but we call it HelpCenter.... I do not see any 'Do not reply' text in the mail notifications.
We're using Help Center and I think it's usually just an oversight that people respond to new posts via email, but in the future it would be helpful if they could respond to new posts via email!
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to thank you all for your feedback. As mentioned in my previous update, we do not expect to support replying by mail as that is really a massive task. But I have noted all your feedback and we will look into improving the text in the mail so it's clearer that the user cannot reply directly by mail. Unfortunately I don't quite know when we can get to this, as we are currently working on other major updates. I will keep you updated here.
Google Groups has the feature of allowing users both start and reply to forum posts via email and we have seen this increase participation in our Google Group based forums substantially. Email is in the normal work flow of our customers and consultants and as everyone else has mentioned, they are used to replying via email for support tickets as well. Having this feature would make Zendesk Forums stand out from all the other community options out there because Google is the only one offering this level of email integration today. The main reason I want to use the Zendesk Forums instead is so I have a single place customers can search across our KB and Forums. An alternative would be if I could index my existing Google Group into the Zendesk search, but I've not seen a way that we can do that either.
Hi Christian, any update on this? I'd love if the reply email would be customizable:
"Please do not reply to this message. Email replies will not update Help Center content."
"Please do not reply to this message. Email replies will not update MortgagesLab Forums"
Not having the ability for clients to reply to forum post over email is getting annoying. I do all my posting from the site so I didn't think to check for this functionality when switching to zendesk helpcenter, but had I known this my recommendation for using zendesk helpcenter would have had this as a big caveat.
As other forum sites support replying by email, its only natural for clients to assume they can here as well. Unfortunately, all this does is create a suspended ticket in zendesk. And i'm not entirely sure adding/changing a message to not reply by email will be all that useful as even after explictly telling a client to respond on the site, they responded yet again via email.
This feature is rather important, and if we get more responding by email as community usage goes up, it will turn into a must have due to the added overhead for us and inconvenience for client.
Just throwing my +1 in the hat.
Kinda annoying that the helpcenter behaves differently to the standard zendesk email. If you mix both HC and normal Zendesk support, customers don't know if they can reply or not.
+1 on that, we see a lot of confusion from users who got used to reply to any Zendesk notifications from us via email, so consistent behaviour with "reply to forum via email" would be appreciated. Thanks!
Please sign in to leave a comment.


text:
I'm having a hard time figuring this one out. The top three standouts seem to be:
Cluster Arrow with Grenadier passive, Impale with Sharpshooter passive, and Rapid Fire with Ballistic passive, but my mathcraft skills might be insufficient for determining the answer.
My fear with Impale/Sharpshooter is that for longer fights, the Crit chance dropping itself off from the Sharpshooter triggering and having to start over will lead to lower overall DPS but I don't have the formula to prove this.
With Cluster arrow, the main problem seems to be that with 50 hatred cost per tick, and average boss length fight will have you running on empty constantly.
That leaves Rapic Fire/Ballistic, but that answer has way too much gut instinct for me - does anyone know the numbers?


text:
Single solver today who got it before any hints posted. Anyhow, the answer to yesterday's puzzle is Belgian-born Athletic, Mariner, and Blue Jay Brian Lesher.
Here's the unscrambled image:
It reveals three things:
- The following poem in blue letters (capitalization and punctuation added):
To solve this here's what you will need:
Unlearn how you learned to read.
Left to right then high to low,
From your mind those thoughts must go.Here it's Red, Rose, Steel, Foley,
Derek to Pockets Kelly,
Next go Grove to David then,
Write it out and that's the end. - Photos of four people, and
- A bunch of green letters which still don't seem to spell anything.
Let's first turn our attention to the poem (although you may have solved the elements of this puzzle in a different sequence). What it says is that we've all learned to read by a hierarchical algorithm comprised of two priority levels:
- Left to right
- High to low
- Red, Rose, Steel, Foley
- Derek to Pockets Kelly
- Grove to David
- Red, Rose, Steel, Foley. Some of these words might look familiar. Isn't that Axl Rose in the lower right? And isn't that Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop - a.k.a. Axel Foley - in the lower left? Some of you may have even recognized Axel Steel from Guitar Hero in the upper left. And the becoming redhead in the upper right, why she must be Red!
- Derek to Pockets Kelly. If you don't know Hall-of-Famer High Pockets Kelly, a googlesearch of "Pockets Kelly" will quickly uncover him. Once you figure out that reference to the word "High", clever deduction should lead to Derek referring to Derek "Low"(e). So essentially the line reads "Low to High".
- Grove to David. Similarly, these are references to Left(y) Grove and David (W)right. So the line reads "Left to Right".
Put it together and your new algorithm is:
- Red, Rose, Steel, Foley
- Low to high
- Left to right
So read the green letters according to the new algorithm - by starting in the bottom left of the photo of Red ('O') then going to the bottom left of Axl Rose ('F'), then same square in Axel Steel ('T'), then to Axel Foley ('H'). Then, moving one square up in the photo of Red, as per the algorithm ('E'), and so on. It will ultimately spell the following:
Of the players born in the same country as Red, the one with the most career RBI's
And how are you supposed to know where Red is from? I don't expect anyone to actually recognize who she is. BUT...at this point you've probably realized the commonality among the other three photos: Axl Rose, Axel Red, and Axel Steel (a further hint embedded in the puzzle title). A googlesearch of "Axel Red" will reveal who she is: Axelle Red, Belgian chanteuse.
Looking at baseball-reference will show there's only one MLBer born in Belgium, Brian Lesher (38 career RBI!).
(Note: I know it was sorta weird that I asked for the Belgian player with the most career RBI's when there's only one player born in Belgium. My original question was something like "the only player in MLB history born in the same country as Red." But then I realized that someone could have figured out the final question without ever identifying that 'Red' is Axelle Red, and he could just go to B-R and find a country in which only one player was born. And although there were several such countries, based on the redhead's looks, most could be reasonably eliminated as her birthplace.)
Congratulations to UBragg (solved in 49 minutes!?!), Jason, Keven C, Drewdez, QuadSevens, Mr C, and Dusty Baker.
Next puzzle in a week: Monday, June 14, 7am PT!


text:
On the Laravel News site there's a new article posted about a big change coming to the "app" folder in Laravel-based applications (hint: it's moving towards more simple, not more complex).
As we are getting closer to the launch of Laravel 5.3 new features, seem to come out almost daily. The latest is a change to the "App" folder and in a move to simplify it, the Events, Jobs, Listeners, and Policies folders are now gone.
You can still get them back if you "artisan make" something that fits in one of these four folders but, as they're not really "required" by default they were removed to do some de-cluttering. If you want to find out more about what else is coming/changing in Laravel 5.3, check out this other article also on the Laravel News site.


text:
Run your business, not your email server
Gmail for business offers 30 GB of storage per user, powerful spam filtering, BlackBerry and Outlook interoperability, and a 99.9% uptime SLA.
Email, IM, voice and video chat
Each user gets 30 GB of email and IM storage (50 times the industry average).
Get less spam
Powerful Gmail spam filtering helps you stay focused on what's important. Postini filtering lets you customize your spam protection.
Sync with Android, iPhone & BlackBerry
Get the benefits of Apps on leading mobile platforms
Anytime, anywhere access to your email
Gmail is securely powered by the web, so you can be productive from your desk, on the road, at home and on your mobile phone, even when you're offline.
Search and find emails instantly
Spend less time organizing email and find emails quickly with Google-powered search for your inbox.
- Gmail storage [30 GB / account]
- Interoperability with Microsoft Outlook email and calendar
- Sync with Blackberry Enterprise Server
- Easy contacts management
- Mobile email, calendar and IM access
- Email security, powered by Postini
- Gmail ads can be disabled
- Resource scheduling in Google Calendar
- Mailing list functionality and easy content sharing with groups
Google Calendar
Manage meetings online with Google Calendar
A web-based calendar application that enables employees to work together efficiently and helps minimize costs and IT hassles.
Access with your mobile device
View and edit event details, add new events, and invite guests on mobile devices like the BlackBerry and iPhone. Even receive calendar notifications via SMS.
Publish calendars
Publicize external company events by publishing a calendar to make it searchable in the Google Calendar gallery. Easily embed calendars into web pages.
Share project calendars
Calendars can be shared company-wide or with select co-workers. A range of sharing permission controls help maintain security and privacy.
Easily schedule appointments
Overlay multiple calendars to see when people are available. Google Calendar sends invitations and manages RSVPs.
Integrate with your email system
Google Calendar is integrated into Gmail and interoperable with popular calendar applications.
Google Drive
Online documents with real-time collaboration
Web-based documents, spreadsheets, drawings and presentations that let users edit the same file at the same time so you always have the latest version.
Anytime, anywhere access to your work
Google Drive is securely powered by the web, giving you the flexibility to be productive from your desk, on the road, at home and on your mobile phone, even when you're offline.
Easily upload and share files
Share individual files or whole folders with individual people, your entire team or even customers, vendors and partners. Create and reply to comments on files to get feedback or add ideas.
Secure access controls
Administrators can manage file sharing permissions system-wide, and document owners can share and revoke file access at any time.
Works across operating systems
Google Drive on your Mac, PC or mobile device (or your browser) gives you a single place for up-to-date versions of your files from anywhere. In addition to any file type you choose to upload, Google Docs are also stored in Google Drive.
- Google Drive storage [5 GB per user for file storage]
- Google Video for Business offers private, secure video sharing
- G Suite Script
Google Sites
Create dynamic web pages as easily as writing a document
Google Sites is an easy way to create secure web pages for intranets and team projects. No coding or HTML required.
System and site-level security controls
Administrators can manage site sharing permissions across the business, and authors can share and revoke file access at any time.
Anytime, anywhere access
Google Sites is securely powered by the web, so you can access company pages from your desk, on the road, at home and on your mobile phone.
Organize information in a central place
Use Google Sites to centralize documents, spreadsheets, presentations, videos, slideshows and more to help keep teams organized. New! Build collaborative sites faster with templates for project workspaces, team sites, intranets and more.
Works across operating systems
Google Sites works in the browser on PC, Mac and Linux computers.
- Google Sites storage [10 GB plus 500 MB per user for shared storage]
- Google Video for Business offers private, secure video sharing
- G Suite Script
Google Vault
Add archiving and e-discovery to G Suite
Retention policies
Define retention policies that are automatically applied to your email and chat messages.
Email and chat archiving
Your email and chat messages are archived and retained according to your policies, preventing inadvertent deletions.
Be prepared for litigation and compliance audits with powerful search tools that help you find and retrieve relevant email and chat messages.
Legal hold
Place legal holds on users as needed. Email and chat messages can't be deleted by users when they're placed on hold.
Export specific email and chat messages to standard formats for additional processing and review.
Run reports on user activity and actions in the archive. Searches, message views, exports and more are shown.
Google Hangouts
Messaging, voice and video meetings
Join the meeting from anywhere
With Hangouts you can start or join an HD video meeting with up to 15 participants from wherever you are. Whether they're across town or on the other side of the world, Hangouts brings everyone together into the same room.
Keep the conversation going
Use Hangouts for quick chats or ongoing conversations. You can message with text and images, chat one-on-one or with a group and the whole conversation is saved and synced across all your devices so it's easy to pick up where you left off.
Works on your favorite device
Hangouts runs right in the web browser so it works from whatever computer you're using and the Hangouts mobile app is available on iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets.
Bring Hangouts to the conference room
With Chromebox for meetings you can bring HD Hangouts to your conference room. Set up in minutes and easily manage all your conference rooms from the cloud.
Save time while you stay connected
Take fewer trips and punch in fewer dial-in codes. Hangouts can save you money, and more importantly, save you time by letting you connect face-to-face with the people you need to work with from wherever you are.
Works with the apps you use most
Hangouts is connected to other apps like Gmail, Calendar and Drive so you can start a quick conversation from your inbox, add a video meeting to a calendar event, or work on a document together during the call.
Support And Reliability
- 24/7 phone and email support for critical issues
- 99.9% uptime guarantee SLA*
- Synchronous replication
- Self-service online support
Increased Security
- SSL enforcement for secure HTTPS access
- Customizable spam filtering
- Customize password strength requirements
- Email routing and email gateway support
- Customizable policies to filter email containing sensitive information
- Email encryption using standard TLS protocols
Migration And Integration Tools
- Manage multiple domains from one G Suite account
- Email migration tools and API
- Directory sync with LDAP systems
- Email routing and email gateway support
- Single sign-on API
- User and group provisioning API


text:
Daily Readings for Wednesday, August 28, 2024
- Morning Psalms 65; 147:1-11
- First Reading Job 6:1, 7:1-21
- Second Reading Acts 10:1-16
- Gospel Reading John 7:1-13
- Evening Psalms 125; 91
Morning Psalm 65
1 Praise is due to you,
O God, in Zion;
and to you shall vows be performed,
2 O you who answer prayer!
To you all flesh shall come.
3 When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us,
you forgive our transgressions.
4 Happy are those whom you choose and bring near
to live in your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
your holy temple.
5 By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance,
O God of our salvation;
you are the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas.
6 By your strength you established the mountains;
you are girded with might.
7 You silence the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
the tumult of the peoples.
8 Those who live at earth's farthest bounds are awed by your signs;
you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.
9 You visit the earth and water it,
you greatly enrich it;
the river of God is full of water;
you provide the people with grain,
for so you have prepared it.
10 You water its furrows abundantly,
settling its ridges,
softening it with showers,
and blessing its growth.
11 You crown the year with your bounty;
your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
the hills gird themselves with joy,
13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
the valleys deck themselves with grain,
they shout and sing together for joy.
Morning Psalm 147:1-11
1 Praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing praises to our God;
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6 The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;
he casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre.
8 He covers the heavens with clouds,
prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the animals their food,
and to the young ravens when they cry.
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
11 but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
First Reading Job 6:1, 7:1-21
1Then Job answered:
1"Do not human beings have a hard service on earth, and are not their days like the days of a laborer? 2Like a slave who longs for the shadow, and like laborers who look for their wages, 3so I am allotted months of emptiness, and nights of misery are apportioned to me. 4When I lie down I say, 'When shall I rise?' But the night is long, and I am full of tossing until dawn. 5My flesh is clothed with worms and dirt; my skin hardens, then breaks out again. 6My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and come to their end without hope.
7"Remember that my life is a breath; my eye will never again see good. 8The eye that beholds me will see me no more; while your eyes are upon me, I shall be gone.9As the cloud fades and vanishes, so those who go down to Sheol do not come up; 10they return no more to their houses, nor do their places know them any more.
11"Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. 12Am I the Sea, or the Dragon, that you set a guard over me? 13When I say, 'My bed will comfort me, my couch will ease my complaint,' 14then you scare me with dreams and terrify me with visions, 15so that I would choose strangling and death rather than this body. 16I loathe my life; I would not live forever. Let me alone, for my days are a breath. 17What are human beings, that you make so much of them, that you set your mind on them, 18visit them every morning, test them every moment? 19Will you not look away from me for a while, let me alone until I swallow my spittle? 20If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of humanity? Why have you made me your target? Why have I become a burden to you? 21Why do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I shall lie in the earth; you will seek me, but I shall not be."
Second Reading Acts 10:1-16
1In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. 3One afternoon at about three o'clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius." 4He stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" He answered, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; 6he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside." 7When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, 8and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa.
9About noon the next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10He became hungry and wanted something to eat; and while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11He saw the heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down, being lowered to the ground by its four corners. 12In it were all kinds of four-footed creatures and reptiles and birds of the air. 13Then he heard a voice saying, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat." 14But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean." 15The voice said to him again, a second time, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane." 16This happened three times, and the thing was suddenly taken up to heaven.
Gospel Reading John 7:1-13
1After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He did not wish to go about in Judea because the Jews were looking for an opportunity to kill him. 2Now the Jewish festival of Booths was near. 3So his brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing; 4for no one who wants to be widely known acts in secret. If you do these things, show yourself to the world." 5(For not even his brothers believed in him.) 6Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify against it that its works are evil. 8Go to the festival yourselves. I am not going to this festival, for my time has not yet fully come." 9After saying this, he remained in Galilee.
10But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then he also went, not publicly but as it were in secret. 11The Jews were looking for him at the festival and saying, "Where is he?" 12And there was considerable complaining about him among the crowds. While some were saying, "He is a good man," others were saying, "No, he is deceiving the crowd." 13Yet no one would speak openly about him for fear of the Jews.
Evening Psalm 125
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people,
from this time on and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
so that the righteous might not stretch out
their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts.
5 But those who turn aside to their own crooked ways
the LORD will lead away with evildoers.
Peace be upon Israel!
Evening Psalm 91
1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
2 will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust."
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;
4 he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
or the arrow that flies by day,
6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the LORD your refuge,
the Most High your dwelling place,
10 no evil shall befall you,
no scourge come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14 Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.
15 When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble,
I will rescue them and honor them.
16 With long life I will satisfy them,
and show them my salvation.


text:
The death toll in Zimbabwe's cholera outbreak has risen to 28, state media said yesterday, as the health minister announced new antibiotics were being used after the disease strain was found to be resistant to some drugs.
The cholera outbreak, first detected in a township outside the capital Harare earlier this month, prompted the government to declare an emergency in the city after at least 3,000 cases were reported.
"Although I cannot say we have contained the disease as yet, we are moving swiftly in all provinces of the country," health minister Obadiah Moyo told the state-owned Sunday Mail.
"We have moved into the second line of antibiotics, which is azithromycin, after the first line of antibiotics — ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone — have become resistant to the disease."
Moyo said rubbish dumps would be removed from high-risk areas of Harare, sewer pipes would be repaired and street food vendors had been ordered to halt work.
Authorities have banned public gatherings in the city as a health measure, forcing the opposition MDC party to call off a major rally on Saturday.
Newly-appointed Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube last week launched a crowd-funding effort to raise money to fight the outbreak, publicising bank details on Twitter and appealing for donations.
Cholera outbreaks have occurred regularly in Zimbabwe as authorities struggle to provide potable water and sanitation facilities.
The cash-strapped country, which was ruled by Robert Mugabe from independence in 1980 until his ousting last year, suffered its worst cholera outbreak in 2008.
A total of 4,000 people died and at least 100,000 people fell ill.
Unicef advised Zimbabweans to prevent cholera spreading by regular hand-washing, drinking only safe water, washing food, cooking it throughly and avoiding shaking hands.
Zimbabwe flag


text:
One of the advantages of older version control systems such as CVS and SVN in enterprise development is that anyone can connect to source control and see all the projects that the company has. This can make it easier to get a high level view of what kid of development is happening outside your sprint and also keeps everything in one place and easy to find.
However, distributed version control systems (Git, specifically) use the repository as their base unit. They work best with one project (or several closely related projects) per repository. This makes repository management more difficult in most enterprise environments where it is not unusual to have more than 25-50 projects to support. As far as I have been able to determine, you have to keep a list somewhere else of all the repos you have. There is software available, like GitHub, that help, but that still is an extra step beyond a single connection string and listing the contents of the repository.
What is the best way to deal with the complexity of multiple repositories?


text:
Jolie Holland's voice is an old wooden roller coaster; a reciprocating saw; a warped steel beam that stopped holding up the building years ago. It falls behind, it jets diagonally. It soars above and below, limboing through the weave of a song instead of along its linear plane. It has, in moments, transformed a room.
At just $10 a ticket and with a strong local following, her show last night was filled. Moving to the front, away from the chattering bar crowd, was the thing to do. Also, up front, Holland and her band—Carey Lamprecht on violin; Keith Cary on mandolin, viola and lap steel; and Henry Nagle on guitar—played sitting down. It helped to be close. It felt close, and right, and Holland was visibly touched by the warmth of the crowd.
Holland played mostly material from her new album, Pint of Blood, but if it didn't sound familiar, that's intentional: she has a way of trying out new roadmaps each time she ventures into a melody. After openers "All Those Girls" and "Gold & Yellow," Holland played loose with songs like "June," while boldly inhabiting "Alley Flower" with a forceful, harrowing voice.
Musicology runs in Holland's blood, evidenced by her choice of covers and her frequent referencing of those that came before her. "My dad was teenage hippies with Townes van Zandt," Holland said, talking about how he'd worked on a studio for Jimi Hendrix and stayed at the Chelsea Hotel, then launched into "Rex's Blues." Likewise, Holland raised a glass to the recently deceased Hubert Sumlin, Howlin' Wolf's guitarist, from whom she learned to "turn the amp up loud, and play real quiet."
After a fantastic "Mexico City," the set veered into Escondida territory—the album she recorded at Tom Waits' behest just over the hill from Hopmonk, in Forestville. "Amen" was followed by a lengthy ghost story, and then "Goodbye California" and "Old Fashioned Morphine" closed the set thrillingly. "I have vinyl," Holland announced, "and I have these useless little pieces of garbage called CDs," inviting the audience on the stage after the show. A half hour later, there was still a line of people waiting to talk to her, ask her to sign their albums and take pictures.


text:
This fish sculpture is made from various hardwoods (walnut, wenge, maple) and laser cut aluminum shapes. Each side is a different combination of wood and metal elements, held in place with aluminum rivets. This is a derivative work, similar to to the permanent installation I created for the University of Oregon in 2019, shown in detail in the third image here. For more images from this installation, please see the "public works" section of my website under the title "Confluence."
It measures 12 inches in length, 3 inches high and one inch thick. Weighs 16 ounces.
Comes ready to hang with an eye hook in the top. If you are interested in a more sophisticated hanging method, please see additional listing for "hanging mount for fish sculptures." For a small additional cost ($30,) I can embed a stainless steel cable up to 3 feet long in the top of this piece and supply a quick-release ceiling mount valued at $15. The ceiling mount and an example of the look of the suspended fish using this system are shown here in the last three images. If you choose this hanging method, please find my listing for "hanging mount for fish sculptures" and add the same number to your cart as the number of fish you purchase.
This price includes shipping within the United States. If you are an international buyer, please contact me for additional shipping costs.
top of page
SKU: Fish32
bottom of page


text:
Man is charged with murder in the deaths of four homeless NYC men who were attacked while they slept
The suspect in Saturday's fatal attacks on sleeping homeless men in Manhattan's Chinatown neighborhood has been charged with four counts of murder, according to NYPD Detective Ahmed Nasser.
The suspect was identified as 24-year-old Randy Rodriguez Santos, who is also homeless, police said.
Santos, who police said has been arrested at least six other times, has also been charged with attempted murder and unlawful possession of marijuana, Nasser said.
Santos was arraigned in New York City Civil Court Sunday and held without bail. His next court date will be Friday, according to Justin Henry, a Manhattan District Attorney spokesperson.
Santos' defense counsel, Arnold Levine, did not immediately respond to a call and email for comment.
The ages of three of the four homeless men killed in Saturday's attacks are 45, 50, and 83. The age of the fourth male victim is unknown. The fifth man who was injured in the attack is 49, Nasser said.
The murder charges come after four homeless men were killed — and a fifth seriously injured — around Manhattan's Chinatown neighborhood overnight into Saturday. The suspect struck their heads with a metal object, apparently while they were sleeping, New York City police said Saturday.
Officers found the victims early Saturday in three locations in or near Chinatown after someone called 911 to report one of the assaults shortly before 2 a.m., NYPD Assistant Chief Stephen Hughes said.
Investigators found a metal object — possibly a pipe — that they believe was used in the attacks, NYPD Deputy Chief Michael Baldassano said.
Police were scouring the crime scenes Saturday morning and weren't immediately able to explain why the attacks happened.
"The motive appears to be right now just … random attacks," Baldassano said Saturday at a news conference.
Witnesses saw at least one attack, police say
The grisly discoveries began after someone called 911 at 1:49 a.m. to report an assault near a building at 2 Bowery in Chinatown, Hughes said.
The officers found a man — later pronounced dead — lying in the street with severe head trauma. A second man with head injuries approached the officers and was taken to a hospital in critical condition, Hughes said.
Two witnesses told police they saw a man in a black jacket and black pants strike someone numerous times with a metal object before fleeing, according to Hughes.
Officers started searching the area and found a man matching the attacker's description about a quarter-mile away, Hughes said. The man was taken into custody.
Officers expanded their search and eventually found three other bodies — two in front of 2 East Broadway, and one in front of 17 East Broadway, Hughes said.
All four bodies were found within roughly a two-block area.
Officers' conversations with the injured man have been limited, but investigators hope to talk with him further, Baldassano said.